Embedded Software Test Automation Designer at Kepler

At Kepler Communications, we're not just imagining the future of on-demand space connectivity - we're leading it!   Our mission is to provide real-time Internet access for space-based assets, enabling a new era of data-driven exploration and innovation. With 33 satellites launched to date, Kepler operates the first commercial optical data relay constellation, enabling real-time, continuous space communications while supporting advanced on-orbit compute and hosted payload capabilities.    Industry-leading technology is only part of the story. What sets Kepler apart is our team: bold thinkers, skilled builders, and passionate problem-solvers who thrive on pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in space. We believe great ideas come from diverse perspectives, and we’re committed to creating an environment where you can grow, lead, and make a global impact.    If you’re ready to reach higher, move faster, and do work that shapes the future space economy - this is your launchpad. Come build the future with Kepler!      What We Offer: * Competitive compensation with a robust equity plan to share in our success.  * Comprehensive coverage for health, dental, and vision insurance—including dependents.  * Unlimited vacation, supportive parental leave policy, and company-wide holiday shutdown.  * Semi-annual company-wide parties and frequent in-office team events.  * Relocation packages available for approved roles.  * $1,500 annual professional development fund to support your growth.  * Fully stocked Toronto office kitchen with snacks, drinks, games and top-notch kitchen appliances.  * Town Halls, Celebration Calls, and Company-wide events to stay connected and engaged.  * We’re a certified Great Place to Work®, five years in a row! Kepler is seeking an experienced Embedded Software Test Automation Designer to help ensure the quality, reliability, and maintainability of software across the full development lifecycle. This role is ideal for someone who enjoys wearing multiple hats: part test strategist, part automation developer, part infrastructure builder, and part quality champion. You will work closely with software, systems, and hardware teams to analyze requirements, define verification strategies, build and maintain automated test systems, and improve the overall efficiency and effectiveness of development workflows. This includes everything from designing test plans and writing automated tests to developing custom HIL solutions, simulators, CI/CD pipelines, and workflow automations. What success looks like: • Test plans and test coverage are aligned with requirements and risk • Automated tests run reliably in CI/CD and provide fast, actionable feedback • HIL and simulation environments are stable, scalable, and useful to developers • Quality issues are identified early, and regressions are minimized • Engineering teams move faster because test infrastructure and workflows are efficient and easy to use • Quality is treated as a shared engineering responsibility, with this role helping lead that mindset This is a hands-on role for someone who is passionate about raising product quality while also improving developer velocity through smart tooling, scalable automation, and strong engineering practices. Key Responsibilities: • Analyze system and software requirements and translate them into effective verification strategies, test plans, and detailed test cases • Design, implement, and maintain automated tests at the unit, integration, system, and hardware-in-the-loop levels • Develop and maintain test automation infrastructure for embedded software, including custom HIL setups, device simulators, test harnesses, and supporting tools • Build, maintain, and improve CI/CD pipelines in GitLab to enable reliable automated testing, regression testing, reporting, and release readiness • Document and report verification results with traceability to requirements • Create and maintain workflow automations and internal tooling using platforms such as n8n, scripting, and other automation frameworks • Write robust automated tests using open source tools such as PyTest, Bash unit, GTest, and other suitable frameworks for the target environment • Review code and test code with an emphasis on reliability, testability, maintainability, and overall software quality • Investigate failures, identify root causes, and work with developers to resolve issues efficiently • Track verification progress, test results, and quality metrics, with clear traceability to requirements where needed • Help define and promote best practices for testing, automation, observability, and software quality across the engineering organization • Identify opportunities to improve developer efficiency and product quality through better tooling, automation, process improvements, and test strategy • Apply static and dynamic analysis tools (SonarQube, Cppcheck, Pylint, CodeSonar) to identify and track defects Required Qualifications & Skills: • Bachelor’s degree in Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, or a related field • 5+ years of experience in software testing, verification, test automation, or a similar role, preferably in embedded systems • Strong experience analyzing requirements and developing structured test plans and test cases • Hands-on experience building automated test frameworks and infrastructure for embedded or hardware-integrated software systems • Strong proficiency in Python and Bash for test development, scripting, and automation • Experience writing and maintaining automated tests using frameworks such as pytest, bash unit, or similar tools • Experience with CI/CD systems, preferably GitLab CI/CD, including pipeline design, test integration, and reporting • Experience with hardware-in-the-loop testing, simulators, or custom test rigs for embedded devices • Solid understanding of software development workflows, code review practices, and quality assurance principles • Ability to work across disciplines and balance strategic test planning with hands-on implementation Bonus Points: • Experience with embedded Linux environments • Experience leveraging AI tooling to accelerate development velocity without sacrificing quality • Experience testing software that interfaces with hardware, peripherals, sensors, or communication buses • Familiarity with containerized test environments and development tools • Experience building internal developer tools or workflow automations using platforms such as n8n • Familiarity with static analysis, code quality tooling, and test coverage reporting • Experience in regulated, safety-critical, or mission-critical industries • Knowledge of C or C++ in addition to Python and Bash Work Model: • This is a hybrid role with a strong remote emphasis. Occasional onsite work may be required to support specific tasks such as hardware testing, system integration, or in-person collaboration. Employment Equity & Accommodation Statement  Kepler Communications is an equal opportunity employer committed to building a diverse and inclusive workplace. We welcome applications from all qualified individuals, including women, Indigenous peoples, persons with disabilities, members of visible minorities, and people of all sexual orientations and gender identities.    If you require accommodation during any stage of the recruitment process, please contact our People & Culture team at [Upgrade to PRO to see contact], and we will work with you to meet your needs.